Welcome to Challenge the Outdoors, Inc.

Our Annual Membership and Awards Banquet, one of our biggest events of the year, was held on July 21st at Romy’s in Black Creek. This is an important event for several reasons, probably the biggest one being that it is an opportunity to elect people that you’d like to see on CTO’s Board of Directors. These are the people that make major decisions in fundraising, spending and running events that shape the organization and its future. The Directors are always listed in the newsletter so you know who they are and can contact them if you need to. Please do so if you have ideas, concerns, or suggestions for improving the organization.

I just want to thank all the Directors and Event Coordinators who give of their time, energy and in many cases their own money to help CTO carry out its mission of helping the disabled sportsperson. Brian Hess, Dave Samsa and Judy Paluch have all stepped down as Directors and we thank them for their service. Unfortunately, since last year’s meeting we suffered the passing of fellow Directors and friends Doug Thiele and Mike Filipenko. Also, most of you know that on July 18th, our dear friend Rita Adamovich passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Rita was such an intricate part of CTO for so many years. She was always there whenever help was needed with organizing events, food committees, contributing her good ideas, donating food, and she always did it from the heart with a positive, unselfish attitude. We were lucky to have known such a compassionate, caring person and we’ll all miss her. She definitely made CTO and the world a better place. Thanks to all of these folks for their contributions!

Stepping up to the plate to fill vacant positions this year are new Directors - Deb Pheifer, Randy Swille, Keith Hartjes, and Barb Kaun. Dave Paul, who handles the editing and publication of the newsletter, has been on the Board for several years and has agreed to continue to stay on and lend his talents. Thanks to all of you for giving of your time, skills and energy to help CTO and its members get out and enjoy Wisconsin’s outdoor opportunities.

Summer is winding down and so is the number of CTO events for the year. Check out what’s available in this newsletter and take advantage of whatever fits into your social calendar. We still have shooting events, our End of Summer Picnic, Deer Hunt, and Pheasant Hunt in addition to a new event – a trail ride called Senior Safari at Navarino Nature Center. Cold, snowy weather isn’t far off, so enjoy the warmer temperatures while you still can. Hope to see you at an event soon!

2018 Membership and Awards Banquet – Carl Gierke As mentioned earlier, our 16th Annual Banquet was held on July 21st at Romy’s in Black Creek. We had a good turnout and the food and fellowship were fantastic. The Banquet Committee consisting of Barb and Fred Kaun, Tammy Kritz, Deb Pheifer, Steve Harvey, Sharon LeFevre and Karen Baehr did a wonderful job of coordinating and planning the event, which included a business meeting, election of Directors, awards, scholarships, and 50/50 and bucket raffles. It’s a lot to cram into one night, but they pulled it off with style.

To kick off the banquet, Harland Chapman sang “One Day at a Time” and a prayer was led by Todd Weyenberg. Some of the awards given out included Disabled Volunteer of the Year – Jim Adamovich, Able-Bodied Volunteer of the Year – Alex Wegner, Biggest Turkey harvested – Lauri DuBord, and Biggest Whitetail Buck harvested – Alan Wegner. Several awards were presented for biggest fish species caught.

Two $500 scholarships were presented this year to individuals with disabilities. Alyssa Brugger from Wrightstown received the CTO scholarship and Lauren Mortimer received the Dan McFaul Sr. scholarship, which was presented by CTO secretary Tammy McFaul Kritz on behalf of her family in memory of her father.

The election resulted in the addition of new Directors, Deb Pheifer, Randy Swille and Keith Hartjes. Dave Paul was elected to continue as a Director. Barb Kaun was elected to the Board of Directors at the August meeting and will be assuming the responsibility of Secretary, taking over for Tammy Kritz. Tammy will continue to stay involved with CTO and will assist Barb, as necessary. Thanks Tammy for the wonderful job you’ve done as Secretary and all your good work with CTO and thanks to Barb for stepping up and assuming the secretary responsibilities.

The 50/50 raffle was won by Gloria and Greg Shermo (Greg is a Wild Turkey Federation member that helps with CTO’s turkey hunt) and they graciously donated their winnings back to CTO. Thanks for your generosity! The evening concluded with several bucket raffle prizes awarded, including sporting goods and wildlife prints. Tammy Kritz donated several beautiful prizes and we thank her and everyone that collected and donated prizes for the event.

Just a heads-up – it looks like next year’s event will be held at the American Legion Hall in Appleton on July 20th, due to a scheduling conflict at Romy’s. Please put it on your calendar!

YOUTH AND LADIES DAY AT J&H GAME FARM – Carl Gierke J&H will be hosting its annual Youth and Ladies Day of Outdoor Instruction on Saturday September 8th. Participants can register from 9am-3pm and activities will run until 4pm. This is a free event for all ladies and all kids up to the age of 18. Activities include shotgun, .22, and BB gun shooting stations, archery, fly-casting, a climbing wall, and the trout fishing will again be sponsored by Challenge the Outdoors. There will also be displays by the DNR, Al Meier’s Taxidermy and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Ladies Group. Food is furnished, along with a door prize for each participant.

CTO is always looking for helpers at the trout pond, which includes baiting hooks, cleaning fish, and helping kids and ladies catch fish. If you’d like to help with any of these activities, please contact me by phone at 920-986-3272 or by email at cgierke1@outlook.com. If you’ve never seen the kids (and ladies) catch fish, you’re missing out on a lot of fun and some serious laughs. Come on out and have a good time!

OCTOBER SPECIAL DISABLED DEER HUNT—Pat Nieuwenhuis We will be having a pre-hunt meeting again this year, similar to the past couple years. The meeting will be on Saturday Oct.6, 2017 at 10:00 am. This is the first day of the hunt. Lunch will be served and we will get you out for the afternoon/evening hunt. This year’s hunt will once again be headquartered at the Lessor Town Hall in Landstad. To reach the Town Hall from the South, take Hwy 47 out of Black Creek for about 13 miles until you reach Landstad Rd (Ye Old Plow Shop) and turn right or to the east. If coming from the North, take Hwy 47 and head South from Bonduel about 5 miles to Landstad Rd and turn left. The Town Hall is less than a quarter mile and will be on the right side of the road. Volunteers are also always welcomed and needed to assist with the actual hunt. We have had great helpers in the past. Remember we can’t pull this off without you. Please call Pat Nieuwenhuis at 920- 687-8707 if you can help.

DON’T THROW THOSE PILL BOTTLES AWAY- Did you know we collect used pill bottles? Pat Nieuwenhuis has been collecting them and he has them sent to countries in Africa so that they can be reused. The bottles are more expensive than the medicine and there is a huge need for them. Please don’t call him, just bring them to any CTO event.

NAVARINO NATURE CENTER SENIOR SAFARI TROLLEY TOUR RIDE -Tammy Kritz

· Date- Wednesday, October 17, 2018

· Time- 11AM for Sub sandwiches, chips, cookies and water. Then Trolley ride after to see the beautiful Fall Colors of Navarino

· PLEASE RSVP BY Oct. 12, 2018, (715) 758-6999, Let them know that you are with the CTO group and would like to sign up for this event.

PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED EQUIPMENT NEEDED AND LOANED The Larsen- Winchester Lions Club is in need of new or used medical equipment and is accepting any donations. They are looking for commodes, grab bars, walkers, eyeglasses and cases, wheelchairs and cushions, shower chairs, lifts, hearing aids and batteries, hospital beds, vinyl encased mattresses, personal hygiene items such as Depends and much more. The club has loaned out thousands of items to over 2000 people this past year at no cost. If you have items to donate or if you need items, please call 920-427-3244 for more information.

NEW MEMBERS- Please welcome Sara Brashears and Alayna Vadnais and family to CTO.

CTO END OF SUMMER OUTING AT OUTAGAMIE CONSERVATION CLUB – Barb Kaun

· Rain or shine event open to all CTO members. Saturday, September 15th, from 10 AM until 2 or 3 p.m.

· CTO will pick-up the cost of one box of shells purchased at OCC for use at the outing. If you do not have a shotgun, OCC has a few that will be available to borrow. Bring your own shells or you can purchase 12 or 20 gauge shells there for $7 a box. This will be a great opportunity to try trap shooting, with instruction if needed.

· Bring adaptive shooting equipment to show off and /or give instructions to a new shooter. If available to help out please contact Barb at: (920) 720-9689 or by emailing at: bak_5495@tds.net.

· Pistol range will be open for use. Bring your own pistol and ammunition. Targets will be supplied, but you may bring your own if you wish.

· Archery shooting: OCC has a crossbow or two to loan out. CTO will have one of our crossbows available as well.

· CTO will provide meat and buns, coffee, and water. All those attending are asked to please bring a dish to pass! Meal will be served in the beautiful OCC clubhouse

· Open bar to purchase beverages.

· Bring your cards and cribbage boards, and make it a great day at OCC!

· Come out, participate in any or all the activities, or just come out and enjoy the social interaction. Members will have a chance to learn new skills at OCC - a great place to enjoy them all, and see what the OCC has to offer throughout the year.

If you didn’t sign up at the banquet please register by calling Barb at: (920) 720-9689 or by emailing at: bak_5495@tds.net.

From the South or West Take Hwy 15 to Mayflower Road (approximately 1.5 miles west of HWY41 and 2 miles east of Greenville) to Mayflower Road, go North on Mayflower Road approximately 5.5 miles to entrance on right hand side.

From the North or East take Hwy 47 south approximately 7 miles south of Black Creek and 1.5 miles north of Mackville to Wege Road, go West on Wege Road approximately 4 miles to Mayflower Road, turn right (North) and go approximately 3/4 of a mile to entrance on right hand side.

MENTORED PHEASANT HUNT AT TRIPLE J CLAY AND WING CLUB- Keith Pamperin

We have an opportunity for five challenged CTO members to participate in a Mentored Pheasant Hunt at Triple J, Clay and Wing Club located at 2687 Man Cal Road near Brillion on Saturday, September 22nd from 8 am to 3 pm. The mentored hunt will teach basic pheasant hunting skills, gun safety and include shooting Sporting Clays before going out to hunt some pheasants followed by a luncheon. You will need to get yourself to Triple J Clay and Wing by 8:00 am. There is no cost to participate and no license or stamps are required. This invitation is limited to up to five CTO members, so the first five that get back to me to confirm participation will be selected. Call Keith @ 920-494-3990

FALL PHEASANT HUNT- Jim Adamovich The hunt will take place Sunday, November 4th starting at 8 AM at J&H Game Farm, W5810 J&H Road, just West of Navarino off of HWY 156. We have arranged for birds in the field, dogs and handlers, machine operator, back-up shooters, cleaners and baggers, great food and just a great day to share stories and get to know other CTO members. Each disabled hunter will be allowed two pheasants. If you don’t have your own gun, there will be guns available at J & H Game Farm for you to use. Shotgun shells, (12 gauge and 20 gauge), have been donated by John Kempen. You need to wear orange. Each hunter is welcome to bring family members or a friend to assist them, but pheasants are put out only for the disabled CTO members. Food is being made by J & H, which is always delicious. Don’t forget to sign up by October 31st if you are going to be part of this hunt. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Adamovich E-mail: jimrita0208@yahoo.com or 920-722-2090.

CTO ANNUAL ‘‘SHOOT TILL YOU DROP’’ – Jim Adamovich Come join us for our annual fall” Shoot till You Drop” on Tuesday, September 25th from 8 until 4. J&H Game Farm will be hosting the event and they are located at W5810 J&H Road, just West of Navarino off of HWY 156. CTO picks up the cost of the clay birds and the ammunition for this daylong event. Volunteers that help the disabled shooters will be able to also shoot as much as they want. You can choose from the traditional sporting clays course, wobble flurry, skeet, and 5- stand events. Food will be made by J & H and we ask you to bring a dish to pass.Pre-sign up is encouraged, but I want to remind everyone that it is your responsibility to sign in at the shoot for each round and type of shoot you do and the amount of shells you use. Don’t forget to sign up by September 20th by E-Mailing Jim Adamovich at jimrita0208@yahoo.com or call at 920-722-2090.

*We now have two manual wheel chairs to use at events through the Larsen-Winchester Lions Club.

*We now have Event Contact Outline forms to be completed by the event chair. This will help others who may want to do that event in the future.

July- Sharon LeFevre has offered to run the Website for us. She has also helped us with our new Facebook page “CTO-Challenge The Outdoors, Inc.”

*Guest speaker Rene Grode- Disabled Citizens in Appleton, spoke to us about working with Knights of Columbus tootsie roll sale as a possible fundraiser. We would need 3 teams of volunteers and it would be the 1st weekend in May in Oshkosh.

*Larry Martin, Tiltin Windows, Appleton, spoke to us and invites people to their showroom or visit their homes to assist disabled with renovations.

*Taxes for 2017 have been submitted.

CHASING RAINBOWS RECAP- Deb Pheifer-

It was a hot and humid day, but 53 people showed for fishing and a picnic lunch at Wilderness Springs in New London. The largest trout was caught by Ken Shellenheim at 17 5/8” second place, Troy Schultz 171/2” and third place, Alexander Gerorden 17”. Congratulations to everyone!

We honored Karen Baehr, she has given years of hard work, time and knowledge as head of the food committee. Karen Baehr and Rita Adamovich worked and ran the food committee setting the path for new individuals to take the reins.

As always, the picnic lunch was a feast! Delicious sub sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Big thank you to Wilderness Springs for donating their time, everyone who brought food to pass, as well as those who helped with set up and break down of this fun event.